Waze adds new AI-powered features and updates for personalization

Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is new AI-powered features and personalization updatesincluding the ability to report route updates conversationally and get personalized navigation.

Some of the new features are powered by Google’s Gemini AI Assistant, reflecting the tech giant’s broader push to integrate Gemini across its products while better positioning Waze to compete with rival services like Apple Maps.

The app now suggests routes based on the user’s trip history and their understanding of traffic patterns in the city. For example, if a user prefers to drive on highways rather than local streets, they will see those suggested first. If users don’t want custom paths, they can choose alternative paths or turn off customization completely in their settings. Personalized navigation is now rolling out globally on Android and iOS.

Users can now also use Gemini to find their destination with a quick conversation when they know what they need but aren’t sure exactly where to go. Users can tap on the voice search icon to ask questions like “Find me a coffee shop open now,” “Find me a parking near Grand Mall,” or “Find me a nearby gas station with the lowest prices.” Waze will then respond with a list of options.

The ability to find your destination using Gemini capabilities is now rolling out to the Waze beta community globally on Android and iOS.

Additionally, Waze is introducing a new motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and road restrictions to help riders find the best route and get more accurate reach estimates. It also highlights hazards that may be difficult for riders, such as potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder ends, and narrow bridges.

Motorcycle Mode is now rolling out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines on Android and iOS, with more countries on the way, Waze says.

While Waze already lets users report traffic incidents, such as slowdowns, using natural speech, it now also allows them to suggest map updates in the same way, including reporting road closures or outdated addresses.

For example, you can say “The road is closed here,” and Waze will send those details to local map editors. The option to report road updates conversationally is now rolling out globally on Android and iOS.

There’s also a new “Less Chatty” mode that features fewer drive interruptions when you want to focus on your music or podcast. When the setting is turned on, Waze reduces the number of voice prompts and keeps them short. You’ll still be alerted about hazards and turns, but you’ll get them less often. Less Chat Mode is now rolling out globally on Android and iOS.